Falstaff Relationship

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The character Sir John Falstaff played a crucial part in Shakespeare's play, Henry IV, Part One. Falstaff is an irresponsible, merry and often a drunken companion of Hal. He portrayed a side of life that was brutal and cruel. He was not only a friend to Hal but also a father figure in a way, albeit a poor one as Hal was the one taking care of Falstaff. The relationship between Hal and Falstaff is an unusual one. They frequently insult and mock each other but it's for the best of the twos relationship. "Thou art so fat-witted with drinking of old sack and unbuttoning thee after supper, and sleeping upon benches until noon, that thou has forgotten to demand that truly which thou wouldst truly know." (I.ii.2-5) Hal is saying that Falstaff is so wrapped up in drinking that time isn’t a concern for him. Falstaff lives for pleasure and Hal joins the fun. Hal embarrasses Falstaff for the attempt to steal from the pilgrims after he invited Hal to help but Hal and Poinsrobbed the robbers. After the joke, however, Falstaff doesn’t get punished but the stolen money is used to buy everybody booze. Hal takes care of him by watching over Falstaff's back. …show more content…

Even though some of his advice is awful Falstaff is still there to be a father figure and mentor to him. "The better part of valor is discretion, in which better part I have saved my life." (V.iv.127-128). Falstaff is saying that valor needs to be tempered by discretion. Falstaff doesn’t always advise Hal to make the good, moral decisions. Falstaff sees Hal as a son. Hal knows that he has control in the Tavern and he likes it that the people in the Tavern already see Hal as superior, in the Court he is around people who are important, the people in the Tavern have no rank so he can impose on them and they will automatically accept